Launched on October 10, 2022, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) has made remarkable strides in expanding access to mental healthcare across India. At the core of this initiative is Tele MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), a nationwide toll-free helpline (14416) offering free mental health services. This platform has become a crucial resource, providing counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations, and referral services to people across the country, ensuring that cost or distance does not prevent anyone from seeking help.

Over 14.7 Lakh Calls Served in Two Years, Transforming Mental Healthcare Accessibility

Tele MANAS has made mental healthcare more accessible, particularly in remote areas where access to mental health services has historically been limited. The initiative has earned praise from global health organizations, with the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizing Tele MANAS as an innovative model for mental healthcare delivery. Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO’s Representative to India, commended the program for its positive impact on mental health outcomes in the country, highlighting the vital role of local healthcare centers like the Ayushmann Arogya Mandirs in supporting mental well-being under the initiative.

India faces a significant mental health crisis. Mental disorders are the second leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs), while suicide is the third leading cause of death in several states. National surveys indicate that 15% of adults in India experience mental health conditions that require intervention. Despite the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 affirming the right to mental healthcare, a vast treatment gap persists—between 70% and 92% of those in need of care are not receiving it. Over 11 crore Indians suffer from mental health disorders, and 80% of them do not seek help. With more than 1 lakh people dying by suicide annually and many others attempting it, the urgency for accessible mental health services cannot be overstated.

Tele MANAS was launched to address this gap, making mental healthcare available to all by offering a comprehensive range of services through telephone consultations. The program serves as a lifeline for individuals who may not otherwise have access to mental health support, ensuring that care is available to those who need it most. Many mental health conditions can be effectively managed by trained healthcare providers, and Tele MANAS plays a crucial role in providing timely assistance and ensuring that individuals facing mental health challenges are not neglected.

As part of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), Tele MANAS aims to provide universal access to quality mental healthcare around the clock, ensuring that people across all States and Union Territories in India have access to these services. The program builds a comprehensive network that offers more than just counselling. In addition to immediate phone support, Tele MANAS provides medical and psychosocial interventions, video consultations with specialists, e-prescriptions, follow-up care, and referrals to in-person services when needed.

By prioritizing care for vulnerable and difficult-to-reach populations, Tele MANAS addresses the mental health needs of those who may otherwise be left without essential support. In its two-tier system, Tier 1 consists of state-level Tele MANAS cells staffed with trained counsellors and mental health professionals who provide immediate help with issues like depression, anxiety, and stress management. Available in 20 Indian languages, these services cater to the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of the population. When more specialized care is required, Tier 2 provides access to specialists from the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) and medical colleges, ensuring continuity of care through in-person consultations and referrals to mental health establishments for advanced treatment.

In addition to addressing psychiatric disorders, Tele MANAS offers support for everyday mental health challenges, including work-related stress, sleep disturbances, and technology overuse. It also extends support to parents and caregivers of children with developmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. By offering a wide range of promotive, preventive, and curative services, Tele MANAS empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being while helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

On World Mental Health Day 2024, Tele MANAS introduced its mobile app and video consultation services, further enhancing the accessibility of its mental health support. The app offers free, confidential counselling and a variety of self-care tools, including stress management strategies and early distress detection. With interactive features like mind challenges and mindfulness practices, the app provides a user-friendly way for individuals to engage with mental health resources. The video consultation service, available in select regions like Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, enables mental health professionals to offer more personalized care by observing patients directly.

Since its launch, Tele MANAS has handled over 14.7 lakh calls, demonstrating its critical role in supporting mental health across the country. The program has established 52 Tele MANAS Cells in various states, collaborated with 23 Mentoring Institutes, and created 5 Regional Coordinating Centers to streamline operations and improve service delivery. These accomplishments highlight the program’s dedication to expanding mental health care access and ensuring that people across India receive the support they need.

As it enters its third year, Tele MANAS is poised to further enhance its services, making mental healthcare even more accessible through technology and a well-structured support system. The success of Tele MANAS has been recognized globally, reinforcing its position as a leading example of how technology can be used to address mental health challenges. Through its innovative approach, Tele MANAS continues to transform mental health care in India, ensuring that mental healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all citizens.